NEW DELHI – India coach Ravi Shastri has come under fire for his side shumiliating 4-1 Test series loss to England — a second consecutive awaydefeat for the world s top-ranked side.
The thrashing in England, following the loss in South Africa earlier thisyear, piles pressure on Shastri ahead of a tour to Australia in Novemberand next year s World Cup — as well as a massive clash with arch-rivalsPakistan next week.
Critics and former captains have rounded on the coach, particularly for hismid-series claim that his team is the best to come out of India in 15 years.
“Self-belief is a wonderful quality; but being caught in the bubble of yourown publicity is self-defeating,” said Sambit Bal, chief editor of cricketwebsite Cricinfo, on Twitter.
“India had their moments but the scorecards say 4-1 and India weren t asgood as they should have been,” said noted commentator Harsha Bhogle. “Thisis two overseas disappointments in a row now.”
Prior to the final Test at the Oval — which India lost by 118 runs –Shastri had raised eyebrows with lavish praise for his side.
“If you look at the last three years, we have won nine matches overseas andthree series. I can t see any other Indian team in the last 15-20 yearsthat has had the same run in such a short time,” he said.
India have won two recent series in Sri Lanka and one in the West Indies.
But his comments rankled former star players.
Sourav Ganguly, who was part of the committee that appointed Shastri lastyear, dismissed the coach s claims as “immature”, telling Indian televisionShastri must improve the team.
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Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that Indian teams of the 1980s had won series inEngland and the West Indies — as well as a series victory in England asrecently as 2007.
“The best travelling teams are made by performances on the ground and notby sitting in the dressing room and talking about it,” added former Testopener Virender Sehwag.
Captain Virat Kohli leapt to his coach s defence following the final Teston Tuesday.
Asked about Shastri s pre-match comments, Kohli said: “We have to believewe are the best side, why not?”
In a tetchy exchange, Kohli turned the question on a journalist, whoresponded “I am not sure”. Kohli hit back: “You re not sure. That is youropinion. Thank you.”
Shastri now has to immediately lift the side for the six-nation Asia Cupstarting in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday — without the brilliantKohli, who is being rested.
The whole country will be watching as they take on arch-rivals Pakistan onSeptember 19, with Rohit Sharma to lead the side throughout the 50-overcontest.
India then have two Tests at home to West Indies before four Tests inAustralia. – APP/AFP
